HIGH TIMES. HARD BODIES. SOFT ROCK.
The writers, who were originally part of the MTV sketch comedy series The State, took their boyhood experiences from summer camps and worked them into this affectionate send-up of raunchy teen flicks of the 1970s/80s. Made in a kind of random style where we follow several kids and counselors and their romantic/sexual escapades. The best part of the movie is how well the filmmakers have recreated the look and feel of the old comedies; uneven, but still more fun than most of the genre. Dismissed at the time of its release, but a cult following has grown. Enthusiastic cast; many of its members have since become famous.
2001-U.S. 97 min. Color. Directed by David Wain. Screenplay: David Wain, Michael Showalter. Cast: Janeane Garofalo (Beth), David Hyde Pierce (Henry Newman), Michael Showalter (Gerald “Coop” Cooperberg/Alan Shemper), Marguerite Moreau, Paul Rudd, Zak Orth… Christopher Meloni, Molly Shannon, Bradley Cooper, Amy Poehler, Elizabeth Banks.
Trivia: Followed by two miniseries, starting with Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp (2015).
